Aware: DPM's comments welcomed

May 15, 2009

DPM's comments welcomed

By Zakir Hussain, Political Correspondent

RELIGIOUS leaders have welcomed comments by Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng on the role of religious groups in the public sphere, and on the issue of homosexuality.

Religious leaders say... 'It is comforting to know that the Government's stand on homosexuality remains unchanged in that it recognises Singapore to be a conservative society and that the conventional family, a heterosexual stable family, is the norm and the building block of our society. I deeply appreciate the fact that DPM Wong Kan Seng recognises that religious groups and individuals have made significant social contributions to the society and these contributions are welcomed by the Government. On the other hand, I agree that religious leaders should influence the followers of their faith to show tolerance and respect for other differing views without compromising their own religious convictions. Indeed, I applaud the DPM in calling on all religious and civic leaders, including those in the media, to exercise restraint and to be socially responsible for peace and harmony to prevail in our community.' ... more

They reacted positively to Mr Wong's call for religious groups to be mindful of wider sensitivities when engaging in the public square.

The National Council of Churches of Singapore (NCCS), an umbrella body for key Protestant groups, noted that it will 'continue to engage responsibly in our society in a way that expresses our common concerns and aspirations for our nation'.

In a statement signed by vice-president Robert Solomon, who is also the Bishop of the Methodist Church here, the NCCS noted that DPM Wong's comments meant that Christians and churches were not 'precluded from engaging in public square issues within the rules of engagement'.

'The DPM states some of these rules and welcomes the participation of individuals and communities in matters related to the well-being of our society,' he noted.

He added that churches had been and would continue to be active in providing community services and share their resources for the well-being of fellow Singaporeans.

Dr Solomon also said Mr Wong's 'pertinent comments on some of the shortcomings of the media (in covering the Aware saga) must be noted and welcomed'.

'The press has a responsible role to preserve public order,' he said.

Leaders of other faith groups also welcomed Mr Wong's comments.

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